Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States when, in 1865, some of the last enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, were freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has been a national holiday since 2021 and a New York State holiday since June 2020. Events celebrating the holiday were held across the city, including at many NYCHA developments.
Green City Force
On June 17, Green City Force (GCF) hosted Juneteenth events at its six Eco-Hub farm sites at Astoria, Bay View, Forest, Howard, Mariner’s Harbor, and Wagner Houses. The Juneteenth events kicked off farm stands at the sites. From June to November, farm stands provide NYCHA residents with organic produce grown at their developments for free in exchange for residents dropping off household compost or volunteering. At each development, NYCHA residents and GCF staff participated in various activities, including planting and more.
NYCHA NAACP Chapter/Resident Association Events
The Clay Avenue Tenants Association, in partnership with NYCHA’s NAACP chapter, held a Juneteenth fair on June 17 with vendors, health screenings, and a voter registration drive at 1195 Clay Avenue. NYCHA’s NAACP chapter also held an event at Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses with a voter registration drive, book fair, and flea market.
Longtime Resident and Resident Association President Darold Burgess Honored
On June 16, Ingersoll Resident Association President Darold Burgess was honored at “The Celebration of Black Kings” gala as part of the Juneteenth NY Celebration, a three-day festival that has been held annually in Brooklyn for the past 14 years. Mr. Burgess and 26 other men were honored for how their personal and professional work has positively impacted New York City. Mr. Burgess received the “Determination” award.
